Jerry and Janet Klein, owners of A Better Deal Designer Tuxedos and Suits recently received the “Retailer of the Year” award presented by the president of the International Formalwear Association at the organization’s convention in Las Vegas. They soon will celebrate their 15th year at 369 Bird Rock Ave.

Their family-owned and operated specialty store offering in-stock men’s formalwear and suits has proven that you can triumph even when the giants are your competition.

“With the overwhelming amount of takeovers and consolidations, where biggest is supposed to be the best, this type of business has shown otherwise,” Jerry said. “Ours is not like a commodity product. The customer needs to see, feel and try on formal wear.”

He also noted “with the global world we live in today, members of the wedding party send sizes from all over the world, and to be able to take care of necessary changes and adjustments with an in-stock store, is priceless.”

Janet added that “it is each and everyone of our responsibilities as formalwear specialists, employers and employees to educate the customer on the origins and etiquette of formalwear. We take pride in what we do and we do it with heart.”

The couple said they are “thankful to their dedicated employees and to their associates in this industry that helped in getting us where we are at today.”